Conceptual Framework

The mission of the Fairmont State University School of Education (FSU SoE) is to prepare reflective and responsive educators who possess the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to help all students learn. The FSU SoE mission is integrated across the curriculum, field experiences, clinical practice, and assessments of candidates. The conceptual framework (CF) provides the structure and guiding principles that are necessary to accomplish this mission. The five West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards (WVPTS) and their respective functions undergird the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that candidates must possess in order to facilitate learning for all students. Diversity and technology are included in the CF representing themes that are integrated throughout the unit’s programs. Demonstrated competencies in the standards/functions empower candidates to function as reflective and responsive educators. The CF is based on research about effective teaching and learning best practices that apply to teacher candidates at the initial level as well as accomplished teachers at the advanced level. The CF and the WVPTS also are central guiding elements of the FSU Professional Development School (PDS) Partnership that provides a critical structure and context for teacher education and educator professional development.

The missions of the university and the unit correlate as both have the goal of providing opportunities for individuals to achieve their professional and personal goals and discover roles for responsible citizenship. The university and unit aspire for graduates to have the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and habits of mind necessary for intellectual growth, full and participatory citizenship, and employability. Additionally, the unit as well as all the colleges, schools, and departments of the university embrace the institutional core values of scholarship, opportunity, achievement, and responsibility.